NHRA ?...

[spystud13]

I know next-to-nothing about this, but I am interested in the Force family. My question is: What is the main difference between the Top Fuel & Funny Car classes? Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[The Bandit]

There isn't a lot of difference between TF and FC. The main difference is that FC engines are in front of the driver. They also have a body on the car that's supposed to resemble a model of car like a Mustang. All engines are that same. They are 500 cubic inch V8s that resemble Chrysler Hemis. Engines produce several thousand HP each.

NHRA recently changed to a 1000ft finish line instead of 1320 (1/4 mile) due to the death of Scott Kalitta. Generally speaking, TF is faster that FC due to to additional downforce they produce over FC

If you've never been before, you'll be amazed at the what 7000HP sounds, smells and FEELS like. It's amazing the amount of HP these engines produce. If you get the chance, go into the pits to hear them tune the cars.

Although I like TF and FC, I tend to watch the Pro Stock cars. Here's an example on how close the racing is. These cars are all 500 CID, push rod V8 with twin carbs. No power adders like nitrous.

Psn Driver Vehicle ET Speed
1. Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts GXP 6.674@ 207.43&
2. Kurt Johnson AC Delco Cobalt 6.685 206.29
3. Greg Anderson Summit Racing Equipment GXP 6.699 205.66
4. V. Gaines Kendall Oil Stratus 6.709 204.26
5. Allen Johnson J & J Racing Stratus 6.710 205.32
6. Dave Connolly Charter Communications Cobalt 6.711 205.54
7. Greg Stanfield Attitude Apparel GXP 6.720 204.51
8. Jason Line Summit Racing Equipment GXP 6.725 205.91
9. Todd Hoerner Performance Auto Stratus 6.727 204.98
10. Tom Hammonds Tom Hammond Ent. Cobalt 6.730 203.77
11. Max Naylor VegasFuel Stratus 6.731 202.91
12. John Nobile Nobile Racing Stratus 6.734 205.41
13. Jim Yates Wiley X Eye Wear GXP 6.734 202.58
14. Johnny Gray Stratus 6.735 204.39
15. Mike Edwards Young Life/Penhall GXP 6.736 204.54
16. Steve Schmidt Schmidt Competition Engines Co 6.737 204.82
--------- Not Qualified ---------
17. Larry Morgan Lucas Oil Stratus 6.737 203.86
18. Dave Northrop GTO 6.739 203.86
19. Kenny Koretsky Nitrofish/Indicom GXP 6.740 204.20
20. Matt Hartford Nickens Brothers Racing Stratu 6.742 204.48
21. Justin Humphreys RaceRedi Motorsports GXP 6.758 204.35
22. Steve Spiess Spiess Construction Cobalt 6.771 203.86
23. Rickie Smith Cobalt 6.795 203.28
24. Ben Watson Pirhana Z GTO 6.795 202.09
25. Rickie Jones Quarter Max Stratus 6.803 204.45
26. Vinnie Deceglie Mountain View Tire Stratus 6.815 202.52
27. Ron Krisher Valvoline Cobalt 7.116 203.58
28. Jeg Coughlin Jegs.com Cobalt 12.081 203.71

You should also check out the Stock and Super Stock racing. These are generally 60 muscle cars.

 

[spystud13]

Thanks Bandit, good info. Do you happen to know why Force has preferred FC all these years instead of trying TF? Is it just a matter of personal preference?

 

[The Bandit]

I'm not sure why Force has never tried TF. Several years ago, Force, Bernstein and Don Prudomme were the stars of FC. Bernstein and Prudomme moved the TF, but Force stayed in FC.

I wouldn't say FC is a step below TF, but the I'm guessing FC is Force's niche. here's a few pictures of the above mentioned drivers.

 

[AFhorn82]

Having been to my first NHRA event when I was 18 months old, I can tell you that FC is just as popular as TF. A little hair slower (in terms of ET but now always mph), but not much. Also gaining in popularity is Pro Mod